As the prevalence of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders has increased in the past decade, there has been a greater need for child and adolescent psychiatrists who are practicing in private outpatient or community settings to provide diagnosis and integrate multi-modal treatment interventions. Although diagnosis in academic specialty clinics may be optimal, long waiting lists due to overwhelming numbers of referrals may lead to delays in initiation of early interventions that could improve outcomes.

This Institute is designed to help child and adolescent psychiatrists and other healthcare providers who are providing first line diagnosis and ongoing care to review diagnostic procedures, efficacy of pharmacologic interventions for management of mood and disruptive behavior symptoms, and behavioral/education interventions for children with these disorders. It provides fundamental information on how to help parents immediately after their child is diagnosed or suspected to have an autism spectrum disorder. Participants learn essential elements to develop a multi-modal treatment plan encompassing emotional and educational support for the parents, appropriate medical and psychological work up, psychopharmacology interventions for problem behaviors and educational choices. Discussion includes potential barriers for providing optimal intervention. This Institute presents data comparing stress exhibited by parents with autistic children compared to parents of children with other chronic medical conditions.
Presenters provide evidence-based data and include case presentations when indicated. Topics covered include the following: